One of the most decorated players in the IPL and the 4th over-all highest run scorer, Gautam Gambhir will return to his local franchise Delhi Daredevils for the 11th season.

A lot of eyebrows were raised in the cricketing circles when Kolkata Knight Riders decided to not retain their two-time winning captain Gautam Gambhir. Many were debating whether the Shah Rukh Khan owned franchise should use the RTM card on Gambhir. However, the franchise decided to go without him for the upcoming seasons.

Delhi, on the other hand, took some time during the auction to survey the field and see the for Gambhir. But after a small bidding battle, they outmatch Kings XI Punjab and got the Indian international for Rs 2.80 crore, a steal deal given the batsman’s base price was Rs 2 crore.

Gambhir has been one of the most successful batsmen in IPL history, apart for being a very innovative captain. Hence Delhi should feel very satisfied with their new purchase, after all it was Gambhir’s bold selection choices and innovative captaincy which turned around KKR’s fortunes in the IPL.

Gambhir has 35 IPL half-centuries to his name, only behind David Warner and has scored 4132 runs at an average of 31.78. The 36-year-old has a wealth of experience and it won’t be surprising at all to see Delhi name him the captain of their side. He has shown in the past that his understanding of players is very high and he is not afraid to give young players a chance if they have performed.

Delhi will be hoping that their activity in the auction in this year can help them finally lift their 1st IPL title. They have bought big player earlier also, however it will be fair to say that their team has never looked well balanced but this year with the purchase of some big international players and talented Indian youngsters, they surely go into the 11th season as one of the favourites.